"Wait a moment, Leader, Konan," Kakuzu said, his voice a low rumble. "I wish to confirm something with you. The Uchiha clan… you truly intend for them to join us?"
Pain nodded. "That is correct. Their strength, combined with their status as rogue shinobi, makes them perfectly suited to become the Akatsuki's mercenary force."
"The Uchiha are currently without a home," Konan added, her voice soft but firm. "A portion of the funds in the organization's treasury can be allocated for their daily expenses as compensation."
"The Uchiha will be responsible for our public-facing missions, while the official members of the Akatsuki will continue to handle covert operations," Pain explained. "Once our overall strength has been fully bolstered, we can proceed with the third phase of the Akatsuki's plan." Before Kakuzu and his companions had returned, Obito had sent White Zetsu back to the base to brief Nagato on the new developments.
"I see," Kakuzu said. He now completely believed Shiro's words. "There are currently 500 million ryo in the treasury. I will allocate 300 million to the Uchiha."
Hearing Kakuzu's decision, everyone in the room, with the exception of Hidan, was stunned into silence. Why is Kakuzu suddenly so generous? they all thought. To give away the majority of the organization's funds to the Uchiha was completely out of character for the notoriously frugal bounty hunter. Every time Konan had requested funds from him in the past, he would haggle and complain, always giving less than what was needed. Why was he being so decisive and generous now?
Sensing the strange looks from his fellow members, Kakuzu snorted coldly, his voice full of a wounded pride. "Are you surprised? Hmph. That is your own prejudice. As the treasurer of the Akatsuki, I am more than generous, so long as the money is being spent wisely!"
"From now on, I suggest you all put aside your preconceived notions about me!"
"Hey! What's all the commotion? Sounds like a party! Can I join in?!" Deidara's cheerful voice echoed through the hall as he and Sasori returned from their mission.
"Huh? Is this big, white-haired fool a new member?" Deidara asked, looking Hidan up and down with a critical eye.
"Who are you calling stupid, you little punk?!" Hidan shot back. "And who the hell are you?"
Deidara struck a pose, his voice full of an arrogant confidence. "You will address me with respect! Even though you are older than me, you will still call me the esteemed Deidara-senpai! Hn!"
"Huh?! A little brat like you demands respect?" Hidan was on the verge of exploding with rage, but Pain quickly intervened.
"Enough! Be quiet, Deidara. Sasori. Have you completed your mission?"
From within his puppet, Sasori replied, "It is done. That country has been taken over by my hand alone. From this day forward, its existence will be erased from the world map."
"Tsk tsk," Kisame chuckled. "To destroy an entire country by yourself… you are truly worthy of your title as a genius puppeteer. I would very much like to fight you, if I ever get the chance."
Hearing Kisame's challenge, Sasori's voice took on a murderous edge. "If you find your life has grown too long, I will always have time to fulfill your wish. I, too, would like to see how much the title of 'The Tailless Tailed Beast' is truly worth."
Kisame's shark-like grin widened. "Haha, what about now? My greatsword, Samehada, has never had the pleasure of cutting a puppet before."
Seeing that the two were on the verge of a battle, Deidara's eyes lit up with excitement. He turned to Itachi. "Itachi! Our partners are about to fight! It's time for you and I to have a go as well!"
"Let's see whose art is superior! Mine, or that of a man who relies only on his Sharingan! Hn!" Defeating Uchiha Itachi had become Deidara's obsession. After his previous, humiliating defeat, he had dedicated himself to creating a new jutsu, one specifically designed to counter Itachi's Sharingan. He had even installed a miniature telescope in his left eye, training himself to focus his chakra there so he could shrink his pupil at will, all in the hopes of seeing through Itachi's genjutsu. Now that the opportunity had presented itself, he had no intention of letting it slip away.
But Uchiha Itachi remained unmoved, his voice a cold, flat monotone. "I'm sorry. I'm not interested."
"Kisame," he added, "we still have a mission to complete. Do not waste your time here."